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RSS feeds for Metal Center News60http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11167/Service-Center-People-on-the-Move.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11167http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11167&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Service Center People on the Movehttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11167/Service-Center-People-on-the-Move.aspx
June 26, 2013 Service Center People on the Move Baton Rouge, La.-based Crompion International LLC has promoted Ken Grantham to executive vice president from his role as director of technical sales and services. Additionally, Bob Whipple has been hired as vice president of engineering, Angel Proaño as vice president of international sales and Dave Carter as sales manager. O’Neal Industries, Birmingham, Ala., has hired Mark Jones as vice president of human resources. In this newly created position, Jones will lead and coordinate all holding-company-related HR strategies, policies, and programs, and will chair the company’s Human Resources Council. Garrett Sparacio has joined Alliance Steel LLC, Chicago, as director of national sales. Sparacio, who has 10 years experience in the steel industry, will be responsible for the development and management of national sales. Rolled Metal Products, Alsip, Ill., has named Ken Lenz as sales representative for western Michigan and Indiana. Lenz has extensive experience in the steel industry, working in sales positions for a number of distributors in the Midwest. Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:23:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11167http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11166/Global-Crude-Steel-Production-Climbs-in-May.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11166http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11166&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Global Crude Steel Production Climbs in Mayhttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11166/Global-Crude-Steel-Production-Climbs-in-May.aspx
June 26, 2013 Global Crude Steel Production Climbs in May World crude steel production for the 63 countries reporting to the Brussels-based World Steel Association totaled 136 million tons in May, an increase of 2.6 percent compared to May 2012. The crude steel capacity utilization rate in May remained nearly unchanged at 79.6 percent, compared to 80.0 percent the previous month. Compared to May 2012, it was 0.9 percentage points lower. The United States produced 7.5 million tons of crude steel in May, down 4.9 percent from last year. Brazil produced 3.0 million tons, up 5.5 percent compared to May 2012. China's crude steel production for May totaled 67.0 million tons, up 7.3 percent compared to May 2012. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 9.6 million tons in May, an increase of 4.3 percent. South Korea’s crude steel production was 5.5 million tons, down 7.1 percent. In the EU, Germany produced 3.7 million tons of crude steel in May, a decrease of 1.5 percent compared to May 2012. Italy's crude steel production was 2.3 million tons, down 11.1 percent. France’s crude steel production was 1.4 million tons, 3.5 percent less than the previous year. Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:21:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11166http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11165/Service-Center-Shipments-Still-Lagging-2012.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11165http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11165&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Service Center Shipments Still Lagging 2012http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11165/Service-Center-Shipments-Still-Lagging-2012.aspx
June 26, 2013 Service Center Shipments Still Lagging 2012 Service centers shipments remained well off their 2012 pace in May in both Canada and the United States, while distributor shipments of aluminum products were only modestly behind the monthly figures from 2012, according to the latest Metals Activity Report from the Metals Service Center Institute, Rolling Meadows, Ill. U.S. inventories of both products fell during the month, while Canadian stocks held firm. U.S. service centers shipped 3.7 million tons of steel products in May, a decline of 4.8 percent from the previous year. For the year to date, steel shipments totaled 17.7 million tons, down 4.6 percent compared to 2012. U.S. steel product inventories totaled 8.0 million tons at the end of the month, down 11.6 percent from a year ago, and a decrease of 3.4 percent from April. At May shipping rates, that represented 2.2 months of supply, down from 2.4 months in May 2012. U.S. service centers shipped 132,400 tons of aluminum products in May, a decrease of 2.7 percent from the same month the previous year. Year-to-date aluminum shipments totaled 617,200 tons, down 7.1 percent from 2012. U.S. inventories of aluminum products totaled 368,000 tons at the end of May, a decrease of 4.6 percent from 2012, and about the same as the previous month. At May shipping rates, that represented 2.8 months of supply, the same as in 2012. Canadian service centers shipped 515,000 tons of steel products in May, down 10.1 percent from the same month in 2012. For the year to date, steel shipments totaled 2.5 million tons, a decrease of 9.9 percent. Canadian steel product inventories totaled 1.5 million tons at the end of May, a decrease of 7.5 percent from last year, and a decrease of 6.0 percent from April. At May shipping rates, that represented 3.0 months of supply, up from 2.9 months in May 2012. Canadian service centers shipped 14,500 tons of aluminum products in May, a decrease of 0.5 percent from the same month last year. Year-to-date aluminum shipments totaled 67,000 tons, down 4.1 percent from 2012. Canadian inventories of aluminum products totaled 37,200 tons at the end of May, an increase of 2.7 percent from 2012, and up 2.7 percent from the previous month. At May shipping rates, that represented 2.6 months of supply, up from 2.5 months in May 2012. Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:20:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11165http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11164/MarmonKeystone-Breaks-Ground-on-New-Pennsylvania-Facility.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11164http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11164&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Marmon/Keystone Breaks Ground on New Pennsylvania Facilityhttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11164/MarmonKeystone-Breaks-Ground-on-New-Pennsylvania-Facility.aspx
June 26, 2013 Marmon/Keystone Breaks Ground on New Pennsylvania Facility Marmon/Keystone has broken ground on a new facility in McConnellsburg, Pa., which is expected to be operational by September. It replaces the current operation, established in 2004, which operates out of leased warehouse space nearby. "The new facility will be 25 percent larger than our current space, which will allow us to handle material in a more efficient manner," says Lou Grenci, vice president of the northeastern region. “The extra space will also provide the opportunity to increase our capabilities, enabling us to take on additional business.” Marmon/Keystone's Value-Added Manager Tim Wamba directly oversees the McConnellsburg facility, while Grenci is responsible for overall operations. Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:18:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11164http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11163/Alro-Opens-New-Facility-in-Western-Pennsylvania.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11163http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11163&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Alro Opens New Facility in Western Pennsylvaniahttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11163/Alro-Opens-New-Facility-in-Western-Pennsylvania.aspx
June 26, 2013 Alro Opens New Facility in Western Pennsylvania Alro Steel Corp., Jackson, Mich., has opened a new plant in the Pittsburgh area. The 98,000-square-foot facility will be located in Imperial, Pa. The new facility will provide manufacturers in parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia with Alro's broad range of metal products and extensive processing capabilities. The facility has created over 25 new jobs for the local area. The facility will offer a full line of carbon products, including structural, tubing and expanded metal products, plus tool steels, alloy steels, aluminum, stainless and brass products. Services include saw cutting and shearing, and access to a second facility with full burning operations. Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:16:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11163http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11162/Rehwinkel-Retiring-as-Evraz-President-CEO.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11162http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11162&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Rehwinkel Retiring as Evraz President, CEOhttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11162/Rehwinkel-Retiring-as-Evraz-President-CEO.aspx
June 26, 2013 Rehwinkel Retiring as Evraz President, CEO Mike Rehwinkel will retire as president and CEO of Evraz North America, effective July 1. He will be replaced by Conrad Winkler, the company’s executive vice president of long products. "One of the accomplishments I'm proudest of over my tenure with Evraz is building a strong leadership team," says Rehwinkel. "Conrad has proven himself an effective leader focused on creating value for Evraz and its customers. I'm confident he will do extremely well in this new role." Rehwinkel will continue to serve as executive chairman of the Evraz North America board. Winkler joined Evraz in May 2011, growing the company’s rail business to the largest in North America and improving the rod and bar business substantially. In addition to initiating multimillion dollar upgrades to the Pueblo, Colo., plant over the last few years, he has expanded long products research and development, and broadened the overall business product mix. Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:14:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11162http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11161/Sapa-Hydro-Merger-to-Create-Extrusions-Giant.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11161http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11161&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Sapa-Hydro Merger to Create Extrusions Gianthttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11161/Sapa-Hydro-Merger-to-Create-Extrusions-Giant.aspx
June 26, 2013 Sapa-Hydro Merger to Create Extrusions Giant The “merger of equals” to form the world’s largest aluminum extrusions company, with over 100 individual operating units in 36 countries, is on track to close Sept. 1. Jeffrey Henderson, marketing director for Sapa Extrusions North America, reported at American Metal Market's Aluminum Summit in New York June 20 that this 50-50 joint venture between Orkla ASA, the parent company of Sapa Group, and Norsk Hydro ASA, just needs a green light from Chinese regulators. It already has the approval of antitrust officials in the U.S. and Europe. “We don’t expect any issues at all from the Chinese government,” Henderson said. The combined company, to be based in Oslo, Norway, and called Sapa, will consist of the extrusions, profiles, precision tubing and building systems businesses of Sapa and Hydro. Hydro’s president and chief executive officer, Svein Richard Brandzaeg, will serve as chairman. Svein Tore Holsether, currently Sapa’s chief executive officer, will be the new company’s president and CEO. The new Sapa will have five operating units: Profiles Europe, Profiles America, Profiles Asia, Building Systems and Precision Tubing, with a total annual turnover of $5 billion to $6 billion per year, Henderson said. Sapa executives believe the merger will be an excellent move, not just for the two organizations involved but for the aluminum extrusions industry as a whole. Tom Horter, president and chief executive officer of Alexin LLC, Bluffton, Ind., agrees, noting that it may instill more pricing discipline in the domestic aluminum extrusions industry. “A lot of people have been questioning whether this will have Hydro exiting the extrusions market,” said Matt Aboud, president of primary metals for Hydro Aluminum Metals USA, Baltimore, during his presentation at the conference. “The answer to that is maybe. The reality is that at least for the next several years, Hydro is actually increasing the exposure to the extruded products business.” On the sidelines at the conference, Henderson told Metal Center News it is a distinct possibility this joint venture eventually could be spun off into an independent company, much like the one formed in 2007 when Pittsburgh-based Alcoa combined its soft extrusion assets with those of Orkla. The Sapa/Hydro joint venture agreement allows either company to launch an initial public offering three years after the close date. Prior to the spinoff of the Alcoa/Orkla joint venture, Sapa had only a small presence in the North American extrusions market, resulting from its year 2000 acquisition of Anodizing Inc. After it combined with the Alcoa soft alloy asset, it became the market leader, not just in Europe but also in North America. Its U.S presence expanded greatly in 2009 when Sapa acquired the assets of then-bankrupt Indalex Inc. The newly merged company will further expand Sapa’s global footprint in South America, Asia, Europe and North America, making it the largest aluminum extruder in the world. In fact, in North America, it will have a larger market share than its next seven rivals combined, Henderson said. He noted there was surprisingly little overlap of facilities, given the large number of operating companies the merger partners combined. Only minor pruning in Europe was necessary to get regulatory approvals, including the divestiture of Sapa's MPE business in Hardewijk, Netherlands; Hydro's extrusion plant in Raufoss, Norway; and Hydro's fabrication plant in Vetlanda, Sweden. –By Myra Pinkham, Contributing Editor Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:12:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11161http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11019/Trade-Groups-Back-Currency-Reform-Legislation.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11019http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11019&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Trade Groups Back Currency Reform Legislation http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11019/Trade-Groups-Back-Currency-Reform-Legislation.aspx
June 12, 2013 Trade Groups Back Currency Reform Legislation Currency discussions have taken center stage in Washington, D.C., and two leading metals industry trade groups are throwing their support behind reforms. The Washington, D.C.-based American Iron and Steel Institute and the Metals Service Center Institute, Rolling Meadows, Ill., both voiced support for the Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2013 introduced in the U.S. Senate. “This legislation is an important step in holding countries accountable for illegal trade practices,” says MSCI President and CEO Bob Weidner. “For far too long, American-made goods have been disadvantaged in the global market because countries like China manipulate their currency to gain an unfair advantage. The U.S. metal industry and its workers deserve to compete on a level playing field.” The bipartisan measure would allow U.S. businesses to utilize existing trade remedies to address the unfair trade advantage given to imports that benefit from currency manipulation. It is identical to the legislation passed by the Senate in 2011. “China continues to protect and increase its exports by manipulating its currency, and numerous other countries are following China’s example and are engaging in this trade distorting practice given the current state of the weak global economy. The United States needs a new, more effective trade policy to combat this unfair trade practice. This legislation takes a tremendous step in that direction by providing new tools to address the deliberate misalignment of currency by foreign governments seeking to promote their industries at the expense of U.S. producers and workers,” says Thomas Gibson, president of AISI. Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:49:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11019http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11018/PMI-Drops-in-May-to-Lowest-Point-Since-2009.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11018http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11018&PortalID=51&TabID=2524PMI Drops in May to Lowest Point Since 2009 http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11018/PMI-Drops-in-May-to-Lowest-Point-Since-2009.aspx
June 12, 2013 PMI Drops in May to Lowest Point Since 2009 Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in May for the first time since November 2012, according to the latest report from the Institute for Supply Management, Tempe, Ariz. The PMI of 49.0 percent was a decrease of 1.7 percentage points from April, and represented the lowest reading since June 2009 when it was at 45.8 percent. Any reading below 50 indicates contraction. Still, of the 18 manufacturing industries, 10 reported growth in May, including fabricated metal products. Miscellaneous manufacturing and primary metals both reported contraction in May. "The past relationship between the PMI and the overall economy indicates that the average PMI for January through May corresponds to a 3 percent increase in real gross domestic product on an annualized basis. If the PMI for May is annualized, it corresponds to a 2.1 percent increase in real GDP,” says Bradley J. Holcomb, chairman of ISM’s Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. ISM’s New Orders Index decreased in May by 3.5 percentage points to 48.8 percent, while the Production Index decreased by 4.9 percentage points to 48.6 percent. The Employment Index registered 50.1 percent, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point compared to April's reading of 50.2 percent. The Prices Index registered 49.5 percent, decreasing 0.5 percentage point from April, indicating that overall raw materials prices decreased from the previous month. Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:47:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11018http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11017/Former-Nucor-Executive-Siegel-Dies.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11017http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11017&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Former Nucor Executive Siegel Dies http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11017/Former-Nucor-Executive-Siegel-Dies.aspx
June 12, 2013 Former Nucor Executive Siegel Dies Sam Siegel, a key figure in the history of Nucor Corp., passed away June 2 at age 82. "All of us at Nucor are deeply saddened by the loss of Sam Siegel, who was instrumental in helping mold Nucor into the company that it is today," says John Ferriola, CEO and president. "He was there from the very beginning working alongside Ken Iverson to build a truly remarkable American company." Siegel joined the company in 1961 as an accountant when it was still Nuclear Corporation of America. The company struggled financially for several years, prompting Siegel to briefly quit over concerns about its direction. Siegel offered to come back, but only if Ken Iverson was made president. That offer marked a dramatic turning point for Nucor. With Iverson and Siegel in place, the two turned around a nearly bankrupt company. In 1969, Nucor began operating its first steel minimill in Darlington, S.C. At the time the technology, which uses an electric arc furnace to turn scrap metal into new steel, was not widely used in the U.S. Nucor would go on to be the first U.S. steelmaker that only used minimills. Today, minimills account for 60 percent of all U.S. steel production. Through his four-decade career with Nucor, Siegel served as vice chairman, chief financial officer, treasurer, secretary and director. He retired from the company in 1999 and from the board of directors in 2001. Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:45:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11017http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11016/Chinas-Overproduction-Pushes-Down-Prices.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11016http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11016&PortalID=51&TabID=2524China's Overproduction Pushes Down Priceshttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11016/Chinas-Overproduction-Pushes-Down-Prices.aspx
June 12, 2013 China's Overproduction Pushes Down Prices Massive overproduction this year among China’s steel mills has pushed the country’s production to an all-time high, resulting in rock-bottom prices but possible longer-term risk for buyers, according to analysts at IHS, Englewood, Colo. China’s steel production rose to an annual rate of 800 million metric tons as of March, nearly double the 420 million tons at the end of 2008. For China, such a level of steel production represents a historic high. “Essentially it’s going to be a buyers’ market for steel in 2013,” says John Anton, director of the IHS steel service. “For steel production, there’s good restraint in North America, Europe and most other parts of the world. However, the Chinese are grossly overproducing, which will keep the market in a state of surplus this year.” Following declines in April and May, global steel prices are at extremely low levels. Despite the market oversupply, prices are not expected to decrease much more this year. “It’s nearly impossible for prices to go much lower because the Chinese steel mills are already selling below cost,” Anton says. “That means they are making steel and selling for less than the cost of the iron ore, coal and labor they are putting into it. This cannot continue much longer.” Having already suffered massive losses in 2012, Chinese suppliers cannot continue to subsidize another red-ink year in 2013, Anton says. Government subsidies would subject the Chinese suppliers to the risk of overseas antidumping actions or countervailing duty damages. Banks are unlikely to make loans to Chinese companies that lost money in 2012 just for them to lose more in 2013. With no other viable choices, Anton predicts China’s steel producers will reduce production levels, resulting in 10-15 percent price increases by the end of the year, unless the banks decide to lend them more money, pushing the price hikes out another year. “We don’t want you to think that suppliers will all go bankrupt, but someone will eventually have to cut production in China,” says Anton. “Even if they stay low in 2014, steel prices can’t stay suppressed forever. At some point there will have to be some reckoning.” Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:43:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11016http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11015/Esmark-to-Exit-the-Bar-Business.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11015http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11015&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Esmark to Exit the Bar Business http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11015/Esmark-to-Exit-the-Bar-Business.aspx
June 12, 2013 Esmark to Exit the Bar Business Esmark Steel Group, Sewickley, Pa., will exit the steel bar market with the sale of its Chicago Steel and Iron Bar Co. assets to Partners in Steel, a group founded in 2011 by veteran steel executive John Foster as a consulting, marketing and investment services company. The bar facility was an outlier for Esmark, which primarily processes and sells flat-rolled steel. “The sale was designed to allow us to focus on our core flat-rolled side of the business, to free up resources for that side,” says Bill Keegan, an Esmark spokesman. Esmark currently is concentrating its efforts on the launch of its Ohio Cold Rolling facility in Yorkville, Ohio, which it purchased following the bankruptcy of the former RG Steel. Following the deal with Esmark, Partners in Steel announced plans to combine with Kurt Orban Partners to form a new SBQ distribution company, Bar Source International LLC. Former Esmark executive Jason Fowler will follow the bar business to Bar Source, becoming CEO of the new group, Keegan says. Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:35:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11015http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11014/Olympic-Steel-Founder-Sol-Siegal-Dies.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11014http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11014&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Olympic Steel Founder Sol Siegal Dies http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11014/Olympic-Steel-Founder-Sol-Siegal-Dies.aspx
June 12, 2013 Olympic Steel Founder Sol Siegal Dies Olympic Steel founder and chairman emeritus Sol Siegal died May 23 at age 88. "We announce the passing of our company's founder with great sadness; however, we are proud to recognize a legendary American who led a full and remarkable life. My father's dedication to Olympic Steel was equaled only by his commitment to community service and philanthropy," says Michael D. Siegal, Olympic chairman and CEO. The youngest of 10 children from an immigrant family, Sol Siegal served in the United States Army during World War II and entered the steel business in 1946. In 1954, he and his oldest brother Sam founded Olympic Steel and began selling steel from a rented warehouse in Cleveland. Thirty years after the formation of Olympic Steel, son Michael purchased the privately owned family company and began to transform the enterprise into the leading, publicly traded North American steel service center it is today. With 36 locations, 1,900 employees and annual revenues of $1.3 billion, Olympic Steel is the 12th largest service center in North America. An active philanthropist, Sol Siegal was a former board member of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. He was also active in the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach, which recently honored him for his consummate generosity. Siegal received the Tree of Life Award from the Jewish National Fund in 2010 and the Metals Service Center Institute's President Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2004. The Sol Siegal Scholarship Program has provided financial support to more than 80 Olympic Steel employees' family members since its inception in 2004. "The best way for us to honor him is to maintain and expand upon the high standards of business excellence and social responsibility that he embodied throughout his life," adds Michael Siegal. Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:31:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11014http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11013/Triple-S-Acquires-Georgias-General-Steel.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11013http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11013&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Triple-S Acquires Georgia's General Steel http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11013/Triple-S-Acquires-Georgias-General-Steel.aspx
June 12, 2013 Triple-S Acquires Georgia's General Steel Houston’s Triple-S Steel Holdings has acquired General Steel Inc. of Macon, Ga., expanding its presence in the Southeast. General Steel has been a steel and metal distributor, processor and fabricator in Macon since 1956. Founded by Joseph Oliner, father of current President Henry Oliner, it was originally a subsidiary of scrap processor Macon Iron Inc. “After careful consideration of our future, we saw that our growth would be accelerated as part of a much larger and stronger company,” says Henry Oliner. “Triple-S is very similar to General Steel in its product line and in its operating culture, but their strong growth and position in the market brings strength to General Steel that would be hard to achieve organically. Triple-S Steel managers are long-term thinkers, entrepreneurial to their core, very creative and innovative, and they treat their customers and their employees like family.” General Steel employs 45 workers and delivers throughout the state. All of its employees will remain with the new company. “I have great respect for Henry’s ability to create business opportunities for our company. He has successfully built General Steel into a fine service center in its territory, and we welcome Henry and his entire team into the Triple-S family,” says Gary Stein, president of Triple-S Steel. Henry Oliner will become senior vice president of Triple-S Steel of Georgia, focusing on leveraging Triple-S Steel’s strengths into the southeastern market. Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:28:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11013http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11012/Samuels-Bassett-to-Retire.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=11012http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=11012&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Samuel's Bassett to Retire http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11012/Samuels-Bassett-to-Retire.aspx
June 12, 2013 Samuel's Bassett to Retire Veteran steel executive Wayne Bassett will retire from his position as chief executive officer of Samuel, Son & Co., Ltd., Mississauga, Ontario, this summer. He will be replaced by William Chisholm, who has spent his career with Dofasco and its current owner ArcelorMittal. The 66-year-old Bassett was honored as the 2007 Metal Center News Service Center Executive of the Year for his leadership of North America’s largest family-owned service center. Samuel was the fourth-largest service center company in North America in the most recent MCN Top 50 ranking, with estimated 2012 revenues of $3.5 billion. Bassett spent almost 40 years with the company, serving in a variety of roles and working under the late Ernest Samuel. He became president in 1995 and was named CEO in 2000. During his tenure, Samuel grew from five locations to more than 108, while sales ballooned from $60 million to $3.5 billion. “Wayne’s achievement and legacy are massive. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his vision, leadership and performance throughout the years,” says Mark C. Samuel, company chairman. “Wayne has helped to professionalize our organization and has created a high-performance culture.” Ontario-native Chisholm joined Dofasco in 1980 and handled a variety of roles before becoming president of its tubular products division in 2007. He was responsible for integrating the North American operations of Dofasco with ArcelorMittal. Most recently, he served as CEO of ArcelorMittal Mexico. “We were thrilled by the caliber of candidates that came forward during our succession search,” says Samuel. “In the end, Bill’s demonstrated track record of success and international exposure, coupled with his passionate focus on process improvement and management training and development, set him apart.” Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:25:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:11012http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10871/People-on-the-Move.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=10871http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10871&PortalID=51&TabID=2524People on the Movehttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10871/People-on-the-Move.aspx
May 29, 2013 People on the Move Mike Calvert will retire as president of Brown-Strauss Steel at the end of the month after 35 years with the company, its parent Blue Tee Corp. and predecessor Gold Field American Industries. Calvert was a vice president of Blue Tee's Knoxville Iron steel mill division in Tennessee before joining Brown-Strauss in 1987 as chief financial officer. He became president in 1992, and has built the Aurora, Colo.-based company into one of the nation's largest service centers, ranking 30th on the most recent Metal Center News’ Top 50 list with 2011 revenues of $355 million. During his tenure, he led a western expansion from its Colorado headquarters by opening facilities in Arizona, California, Utah and Washington, plus a more recent acquisition eastward into Kansas. In the process, the company became one of the nation's largest distributors of wide-flange beams and structural tubing. He will remain on the board of directors of Blue Tee Corp. following his retirement. Ryan Secrist, currently executive vice president of Brown-Strauss Steel, will be promoted to president. William R. Laverty has retired from Sandmeyer Steel Corp. after 49 years of service. He handled many positions since joining the Philadelphia-based company in 1964, most recently as manager of the company’s Southeast territory in Charlotte, N.C. He started in the production department before moving to sales. "We will miss having the benefit of Bill's many years in the stainless steel plate industry and wish him well in his retirement," says Ronald P. Sandmeyer, Jr., president and CEO. "Bill's experience, and his relationships with so many key customers, made him a valuable member of the Sandmeyer Team for almost 50 years." Sean P. Fenerty has relocated to Charlotte and has assumed responsibility for the Southeast Territory, servicing customers in Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. National Tube Supply, University Park, Ill., has appointed Brian Kluge to the new position of chief operating officer. He comes to NTS with more than 20 years of supply chain experience. NTS also has promoted four staff members: Chief Financial Officer Michele Markowski will add chief information officer to her duties; Terry Flanary has been promoted to vice president of sales and marketing; Mark Biolchin is the new vice president of merchandising; and Rob Smaron has been promoted to branch manager of NTS in Moreno Valley, Calif. Central Steel and Wire Co., Chicago, has hired Raman Bradshaw as territory manager for Kansas City. Bradshaw will serve the Kansas and western Missouri regions, replacing Aaron Konopacki, who has transferred to the company’s territory sales manager position in Indianapolis. Heyco Metals, Reading, Pa., has promoted David Mandle to executive vice president. Mandle has been with Heyco for 10 years, previously serving as vice president-general manager. Additionally, William Barry has been promoted to vice president of sales and marketing. Wed, 29 May 2013 15:01:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10871http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10870/Canadian-Agency-Investigating-Copper-Tube-Dumping-Allegations.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=10870http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10870&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Canadian Agency Investigating Copper Tube Dumping Allegationshttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10870/Canadian-Agency-Investigating-Copper-Tube-Dumping-Allegations.aspx
May 29, 2013 Canadian Agency Investigating Copper Tube Dumping Allegations The Canada Border Services Agency is investigating claims of dumping of certain copper tube products from five countries and allegations of subsidized copper tube from China. The five countries being investigated on dumping allegations include China, Brazil, Greece, Korea and Mexico. The investigations follow a complaint filed by Great Lakes Copper Inc. of London, Ontario. The complainant alleges that the unfair dumping and subsidizing of these goods is harming Canadian producers by undercutting sales and pricing. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will begin a preliminary inquiry to determine injury and will issue a decision by July 22. The CBSA will investigate whether the imports are being dumped or subsidized, and will make a preliminary decision by August 20, followed by a final determination 90 days later should unfair trade practices be found. Wed, 29 May 2013 14:59:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10870http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10869/MSCI-Service-Center-Shipments-Level-Off-in-April.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=10869http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10869&PortalID=51&TabID=2524MSCI: Service Center Shipments Level Off in April http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10869/MSCI-Service-Center-Shipments-Level-Off-in-April.aspx
May 29, 2013 MSCI: Service Center Shipments Level Off in April The trend of declining service center shipments eased in April in both the United States and Canada, according to the latest data from the Metals Service Center Institute, Rolling Meadows, Ill. While shipments of all metal products continue to lag 2012, the April figures for both steel and aluminum were fairly steady compared to the same month last year. U.S. service centers shipped 3.6 million tons of steel products in April, an increase of 2.1 percent from the previous year. For the year to date, steel shipments totaled 14.1 million tons, down 4.5 percent compared to 2012. U.S. steel product inventories totaled 8.3 million tons at the end of April, down 9.1 percent from a year ago, and a decrease of 2.1 percent from March. At April shipping rates, that represented 2.3 months of supply, an increase of 11.5 percent from 2012. U.S. service centers shipped 127,500 tons of aluminum products in April, a decrease of 1.2 percent from April 2012. Year-to-date aluminum shipments totaled 484,800 tons, down 8.2 percent from the same period last year. U.S. inventories of aluminum products totaled 367,100 tons at the end of April, a decrease of 2.6 percent from 2012, but up 1.3 percent from the previous month. At April shipping rates, that represented 2.6 months of supply, a decrease of 10.3 percent from 2012. Canadian service centers shipped 525,500 tons of steel products in April, down 0.8 percent from the same month in 2012. For the year to date, steel shipments totaled 1.9 million tons, a decrease of 9.8 percent. Canadian steel product inventories totaled 1.6 million tons at the end of April, a decrease of 4.5 percent from last year, and a decrease of 6.3 percent from March. At April shipping rates, that represented 3.1 months of supply, an increase of 6.0 percent from 2012. Canadian service centers shipped 14,100 tons of aluminum products in April, an increase of 5.4 percent from the same month last year. Year-to-date aluminum shipments totaled 52,500 tons, down 5.0 percent from 2012. Canadian inventories of aluminum products totaled 37,100 tons at the end of April, an increase of 5.1 percent from 2012, but a decrease of 1.8 percent from the previous month. At April shipping rates, that represented 2.9 months of supply, about the same as a year ago. Wed, 29 May 2013 14:57:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10869http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10868/Novelis-TK-Business-Segment-Developing-Aluminum-Blanks.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=10868http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10868&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Novelis, TK Business Segment Developing Aluminum Blankshttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10868/Novelis-TK-Business-Segment-Developing-Aluminum-Blanks.aspx
May 29, 2013 Novelis, TK Business Segment Developing Aluminum Blanks Atlanta-based Novelis and ThyssenKrupp Tailored Blanks have signed an agreement for the development of tailored aluminum blanks. With this technology, individual aluminum sheets of different grades, thicknesses and coatings can be joined to produce customized stamping blanks used by car makers for the production of lightweight body parts such as doors, hoods and structural components. The targeted use of materials in tailored aluminum blanks allows for the elimination of reinforcements and overlapping joints that would otherwise be required, thus saving material, reducing total weight and cutting cost. The gains in process efficiency and the reduction in vehicle weight will further contribute to reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy for automobile manufacturers, the companies claim. "The product range of tailored aluminum blanks connects for the first time the extensive potential of lightweight aluminum with the engineering service of tailoring the body and chassis design on a mass scale," says Rudolf Helldobler, CEO for ThyssenKrupp Tailored Blanks. "Material expertise with aluminum and know-how in tailoring of lightweight solutions are coming together in a unique way to provide this cost-effective technology on a global scale. Initial reaction from our customers has been very positive," says Roland Harings, vice president, global automotive, for Novelis. Wed, 29 May 2013 14:53:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10868http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10867/AK-Steel-Venture-Constructing-Iron-Ore-Pellet-Facility-in-Indiana.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=10867http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10867&PortalID=51&TabID=2524AK Steel Venture Constructing Iron Ore Pellet Facility in Indianahttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10867/AK-Steel-Venture-Constructing-Iron-Ore-Pellet-Facility-in-Indiana.aspx
May 29, 2013 AK Steel Venture Constructing Iron Ore Pellet Facility in Indiana AK Steel's joint venture Magnetation LLC will construct a new iron ore pellet facility in Reynolds, Ind. Production from the plant will supply AK Steel’s blast furnaces in Ohio and Kentucky. "We are excited to reach another milestone event in AK Steel's strategic initiative to become more self-sufficient in steelmaking raw materials," says James L. Wainscott, chairman, president and CEO of AK Steel. "This transaction positions Magnetation well to continue on its path of accelerated construction of the pellet plant." AK Steel's strategic investment in Magnetation will provide the company with about 50 percent of its annual iron ore requirements beginning in 2015. By becoming more vertically integrated, AK Steel will gain greater control over its cost structure, enhance its raw materials self-sufficiency, and significantly reduce its exposure to the volatile global market for this critical steelmaking input, the company claims. Construction of the pellet plant is under way and should be completed in about 18 months. Initial pellet production is anticipated during the fourth quarter of 2014. When fully operational, the Magnetation plant will produce about three million tons of iron ore pellets annually. AK Steel owns 49.9 percent of Magnetation LLC, a joint venture headquartered with Magnetation Inc., which produces iron ore concentrate from previously mined ore reserves. Wed, 29 May 2013 14:51:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10867http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10866/Profits-Down-in-First-Quarter-for-Aleris.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=10866http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10866&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Profits Down in First Quarter for Alerishttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10866/Profits-Down-in-First-Quarter-for-Aleris.aspx
May 29, 2013 Profits Down in First Quarter for Aleris Cleveland-based Aleris reported net income of $11 million during its first quarter, down 77 percent from the same period in 2012. Net sales were off 2.6 percent to $1.1 billion. "While pockets of soft demand and continued compression of metal spreads contributed to a sluggish start to the year, we saw demand strengthen late in the quarter, indicating a solid sequential improvement going into the second quarter," said Steve Demetriou, Aleris chairman and CEO. Income in the company's rolled products segment decreased 11.5 percent to $23 million in the first quarter, compared to first-quarter 2012. The lower income was driven by a 3 percent reduction in volumes, with lower building and construction shipments partially offset by higher distribution and transportation shipments. The company's extrusions segment income was cut 50 percent to $3 million in the first quarter. Volumes declined 6 percent as weakness in the European economy continued and prolonged cold weather reduced demand for building and construction and engineered products. The company estimated its income would grow in the second quarter due to the typical seasonality of its business and increased demand from its global automotive and aerospace markets. However, on a year-over-year basis, second-quarter results were expected to be lower than those from 2012 due to the lingering negative impact of tighter scrap and metal spreads. The company expects its auto body sheet expansion project in Duffel, Belgium, and the wide coating facility in Asheville, Ohio, both of which started up during the first quarter, to begin generating positive results. Wed, 29 May 2013 14:49:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10866http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10865/New-HSS-Product-for-Seismic-Applications.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=10865http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10865&PortalID=51&TabID=2524New HSS Product for Seismic Applications http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10865/New-HSS-Product-for-Seismic-Applications.aspx
May 29, 2013 New HSS Product for Seismic Applications Distributors of hollow structural sections have a new product to stock and sell following approval of a new ASTM specification for HSS designed for construction in seismically sensitive areas. ASTM published the new spec, "Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Welded Carbon Steel Hollow Structural Sections," in April to raise the performance of HSS used in building and bridge construction. Industry executives say the new specification is a big step forward in simplifying HSS design and usage, thereby making it a more desirable option for architects and engineers. The spec, ASTM A1085-13, calls for tighter material tolerances so designers can use the full nominal wall thickness, a minimum yield stress of 50 ksi and maximum yield stress of 70 ksi, and a standard Charpy notch toughness of 25 foot-pounds at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it more suitable for dynamically loaded structures. So far, the product is only available from three leading HSS producers: Atlas Tube and Independence Tube in Chicago and EXLTUBE in North Kansas City, Mo. Representatives from the three companies joined with other members of the steel industry and structural engineering experts to help develop the new standard. John Tassone, marketing manager at Independence Tube, says the product should find high demand, as more than half of North America experiences seismic activity. Thus use of HSS with the new spec will result in safer structures nationwide. The new spec should help reverse the perception that HSS is a less reliable alternative to beams or other materials, adds Brad Fletcher, sales engineer with Atlas Tube. "Seismic design requirements have become more stringent across the country. We need to educate the entire supply chain about this new product." More information is available from the American Institute of Steel Construction at www.aisc.org/hss and the Steel Tube Institute at www.steeltubeinstitute.org. Atlas Tube hosts an online forum on the subject at www.atlasconnection.com. Wed, 29 May 2013 14:45:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10865http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10864/Roadrunner-Steel-Building-Phoenix-Area-Facility.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=10864http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10864&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Roadrunner Steel Building Phoenix-Area Facilityhttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10864/Roadrunner-Steel-Building-Phoenix-Area-Facility.aspx
May 29, 2013 Roadrunner Steel Building Phoenix-Area Facility Roadrunner Steel Inc., a sister company of Las Vegas-based Performance Steel Inc., is constructing a 100,000-square-foot warehouse in Glendale, Ariz. The rail-served facility will offer slitting, leveling and distribution services on eight acres of land. The facility will house a 60-inch Braner turret head slitter and a 72-inch Delta leveling line equipped with a trapezoid shear. The location will have a 12-car rail spot and the capacity to slit and level more than 200,000 tons annually. It is scheduled to be operational by October. "The geographic location will enable us to provide practical supply solutions to our western United States and Mexico customer base," says Jim Russell, vice president of Performance Steel and Roadrunner Steel. "The addition of the leveler will enhance our position in the sheet market, and allow us to compete more effectively for customers using both coil and sheet products in their processes." Wed, 29 May 2013 14:43:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10864http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10732/AISI-Applauds-Rebirth-of-Senate-Steel-Caucus.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=10732http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10732&PortalID=51&TabID=2524AISI Applauds Rebirth of Senate Steel Caucushttp://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10732/AISI-Applauds-Rebirth-of-Senate-Steel-Caucus.aspx
May 15, 2013 AISI Applauds Rebirth of Senate Steel Caucus The North American steel industry was encouraged by the recent reformation of the Senate Steel Caucus. Senators Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Pat Toomey, R-Pa., announced plans to restart the bipartisan group. "I commend Senators Rockefeller, Sessions, Brown and Toomey on their leadership in re-energizing the Senate Steel Caucus. Their strong bipartisan leadership on legislation vital to the steel industry will ensure that steel remains the backbone of the U.S. manufacturing sector," says Thomas Gibson, president and CEO of the Washington-based American Iron and Steel Institute, the trade organization representing domestic producers. AISI claims the domestic steel industry directly employs 153,700 individuals and indirectly supports a million more jobs. "AISI looks forward to continued collaboration with the Senate Steel Caucus as we work to advance public policies that will promote American steel manufacturing competitiveness," Gibson says. Wed, 15 May 2013 14:47:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10732http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10731/Fabtech-Adds-India-Exposition-in-2014.aspx#Comments0http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=2524&ModuleID=13831&ArticleID=10731http://www.metalcenternews.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=10731&PortalID=51&TabID=2524Fabtech Adds India Exposition in 2014http://www.metalcenternews.com/Editorial/CurrentIssue/CurrentNews/tabid/2524/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10731/Fabtech-Adds-India-Exposition-in-2014.aspx
May 15, 2013 Fabtech Adds India Exposition in 2014 Fabtech, North America's largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, is expanding to the fast-growing industrial marketplace of India. The first Fabtech India exposition will be co-located with India’s premier welding exposition, the Indian Institute of Welding’s Weld India, from April 10-12, 2014, in New Delhi. "More and more buyers from India have been coming all the way to Fabtech to see U.S. welding and manufacturing technologies," says Ray Shook, executive director of the American Welding Society, one of Fabtech's co-sponsors. "Now we can take U.S. technology exhibitors right to the Indian market in an easy, affordable way." In recent years, the Fabtech exposition brand has expanded from annual shows in the United States to include the annual Fabtech Mexico and the biennial Fabtech Canada. Fabtech India will be presented every three years, and the first is timed to coincide with the 2014 International Congress of the International Institute of Welding. Fabtech India and Weld India will be held at New Delhi's Pragati Maidan exhibition complex, where India’s largest trade shows are hosted. About 250 international exhibitors and 10,000 attendees are projected to exchange challenges and solutions at the exposition. Attendees will represent India's fast-growing industries, such as energy, refining, infrastructure and manufacturing. Fabtech is co-sponsored by five associations: the American Welding Society, the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Precision Metalforming Association and the Chemical Coaters Association International. Wed, 15 May 2013 14:45:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:10731